Juicy Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Butterflied grilled chicken drumsticks convert ordinary poultry into a mouthwatering culinary adventure that promises sizzling flavor and tender meat.

These delectable drumsticks unlock a world of grilling potential with their expertly opened and flattened design.

Perfectly seasoned and strategically prepared, the technique ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

Crispy exterior and juicy interior combine to create a delightful contrast that elevates home cooking to restaurant-quality standards.

The method allows marinades and spices to penetrate deeply, infusing every bite with rich, tantalizing notes.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate this simple yet sophisticated approach to preparing chicken.

Mastering this technique will revolutionize your grilling game and impress everyone at your next backyard gathering.

All You Need for Butterflied Grilled Drumsticks

• Chicken Drumsticks: Juicy and flavorful main protein, best when fresh and skin-on for extra crispiness.

• Smoked Paprika, Ground Cumin: Warm spices that add deep, smoky complexity to the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and ensures even cooking with a rich, smooth texture.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a pungent kick to the marinade.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright acidity and helps tenderize the meat.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous garnish that adds color and light flavor to the finished dish.

Easy Instructions for Butterflied Drumsticks

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to a toasty medium-high heat, creating the perfect cooking zone for your drumsticks. Aim for that sweet spot where the heat is hot but not scorching.

Step 2: Transform Drumsticks

Grab a sharp kitchen knife and gently slice each drumstick lengthwise. This clever technique opens up the meat, allowing marinades to dance through every fiber and ensuring super even cooking.

Step 3: Craft Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Smoked paprika
• Ground cumin
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh lemon juice

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and vibrant.

Step 4: Marinate with Love

Toss the butterflied drumsticks into the marinade, massaging each piece until fully coated. Let them relax and soak up those incredible flavors for 30-45 minutes at room temperature.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Lay drumsticks onto the hot grill, skin side down. Cook for 10-12 minutes per side, watching for that beautiful golden-brown crust. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Let Chicken Rest

Remove drumsticks from the grill and let them chill for 3-5 minutes. This magical resting period allows juices to redistribute, guaranteeing mega-tender meat.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the drumsticks. The bright herb adds a zesty finish that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Top Tips for Grilling Butterflied Drumsticks

• Master the Butterfly Technique: Use a sharp knife and steady hand to slice drumsticks evenly, ensuring maximum marinade penetration and uniform cooking.
• Maximize Marination Magic: Let chicken sit in marinade for at least 30 minutes, but avoid going beyond 2 hours to prevent meat from becoming mushy.
• Control Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve beautiful grill marks without burning the exterior while ensuring the interior cooks perfectly.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing juicy and safe-to-eat chicken every time.
• Rest for Juiciness: Allow grilled drumsticks to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute flavorful juices and keeps meat tender and succulent.

How to Store Butterflied Chicken the Smart Way

• Refrigeration: Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Wrap individual drumsticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken maintains best quality for up to 4 months.
• Reheating: Warm drumsticks in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving, preserving juiciness and food safety.

Great Sides for Butterflied Grilled Drumsticks

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Salad: Create a bright, tangy side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light lemon vinaigrette to complement the smoky grilled chicken.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, spiced flavors of the drumsticks and refresh the palate.
• Serve with Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables: Grill some zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant seasoned with similar spices to echo the chicken's marinade and create a cohesive flavor profile.
• Cool Down with Mint Yogurt Sauce: Whip up a quick dipping sauce using Greek yogurt, chopped mint, and a touch of lemon to balance the chicken's smoky heat and add a creamy contrast.

Try These Variations on Grilled Butterflied Drumsticks

• Herb Garden Drumsticks: Replace smoked paprika and cumin with fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired herbal profile that brings bright, earthy notes to the chicken.
• Spicy Korean Kick: Swap the original marinade with gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil to create a bold, sweet-and-spicy coating that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
• Caribbean Jerk Style: Incorporate allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, and rum into the marinade for a zesty, authentic Caribbean flavor that transforms the drumsticks into a tropical experience.
• Citrus Coconut Fusion: Blend coconut milk, lime juice, orange zest, and cilantro for a tropical marinade that tenderizes the meat and infuses it with refreshing, island-inspired flavors.

Why Butterflied Grilled Drumsticks Taste Even Better

• Flavor-Packed Marinade Magic: The blend of smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, and lemon creates an explosive taste profile that transforms ordinary chicken drumsticks into a mouthwatering feast. Every bite bursts with deep, complex spices that dance across your palate.
• Genius Butterflying Technique: Slicing drumsticks lengthwise dramatically increases flavor absorption and ensures super-even cooking. This smart method means no more dry or undercooked chicken- just perfectly grilled meat with maximum seasoning potential.
• Quick and Easy Grilling Delight: From start to finish, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings, these drumsticks are simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to wow your guests.
• Healthier Protein Power: Grilling with minimal oil and using lean chicken drumsticks provides a protein-rich meal that doesn't compromise on taste. Fresh herbs like parsley add a bright, nutritious finish to this crowd-pleasing dish.

Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Butterflied grilled chicken drumsticks showcase Mediterranean flavors with zesty herbs and spices. Marinated chicken develops deep, smoky notes when grilled, delivering a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 10 chicken drumsticks

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Ignite the grill to a robust medium-high temperature, creating an ideal cooking environment for the chicken drumsticks.
2. Employ a razor-sharp knife to meticulously butterfly each drumstick, slicing lengthwise to expose the inner meat and maximize flavor potential.
3. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice into a harmonious blend.
4. Submerge the butterflied drumsticks completely in the marinade, ensuring every crevice is thoroughly coated. Allow the chicken to luxuriate in the seasoning for a minimum of 30 minutes, enabling deep flavor penetration.
5. Position the marinated drumsticks onto the preheated grill grates, positioning them skin-side down to develop a crisp, caramelized exterior.
6. Rotate the drumsticks midway through cooking, grilling approximately 10-12 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing perfectly cooked poultry.
7. Transfer the grilled drumsticks from the heat and let them rest momentarily, allowing internal juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
8. Conclude by adorning the drumsticks with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, introducing a bright, herbaceous dimension to the smoky, grilled masterpiece.

Notes

• Marinades infuse deep flavors into meat, transforming ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering feast.
• Butterflying drumsticks increases cooking surface, allowing more seasoning penetration and faster, more even heat distribution.
• Resting meat after grilling lets juices redistribute, ensuring each bite remains incredibly tender and packed with succulent goodness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg